Welcome to today’s chat with Jerry Micco and Kevin Dale. We’ll be operating wiithout benefit of instant replay, so let’s get started.

pg_jerrymicco

Hi everyone! Wow, full house today. I guess Kevin’s bringing everyone in! You can submit questions whenever you’re ready. Let’s get it underway!

IBleedBlackandGold

<Q>Do you think the emotional drain of getting “up” for three straight road playoff games will finally take its toll on the Steelers?

Kevin_Dale

<A>Hello from Denver. That’s certainly what Broncos fans are hoping for. The stadium – maybe for the first time in 5 years – came alive last weekend and the crowd is hoping to play a big role again on Sunday.

IBleedBlackandGold

<Q>Do you think the emotional drain of getting “up” for three straight road playoff games will finally take its toll on the Steelers?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think it’s something they have to be concerned about, but I think they knew this would happen once the season ended. And they are a very veteran bunch of guys in that locker room. In their minds, they’re on a mission, and I don’t think the road bothers them all that much.

Jake_Sawyers

<Q>Kevin, did you get the feeling that there was a sense of relief among the Denver fan base when the Steelers knocked off the Colts?

Kevin_Dale

<A>No doubt. Indy has not been kind to the Broncos the past two years. Now, the team can just answer questions about the Steelers. That other topic is off the table.

JIM

<Q>which way will the steelers start their opening drive

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think that depends on the Broncos defense. I think Denver will do what they can to stop the run, but they also know now that the Steelers aren’t afraid to go downfield throwing the ball, either. They’re going to have to respect that part of the Pittsburgh game. I think they want to throw the ball on the Broncos, although I think Champ Bailey’s the best corner in the game, so don’t expect much to his side.

Garage_Hog_Ted

<Q>“Some” protaganists feel that Jake Plummer will eventually show his “true colors” and not play as solidly as he will need too agains the “Stiller” Defense! Do you think he is still prone to crucial mistakes and how do you think he will do under the pressure shown against Indy, last week?

Kevin_Dale

<A>It won’t matter if Denver can run the ball. That’s their hope. Don’t get in position that Jake has to win the game. If they do, I think everyone’s a little worried that old habits will return.

Ron

<Q>I just happening to turn on ESPN yesterday and to my surprise, highlights of the 4 Steeler Super Bowl victories were on. Something I found interesting and there were several similarities between those great teams and this year’s team. At one point, they had Chuck Noll saying to Terry Bradshaw, “You are going to have to throw deep, They are going to be covering the short stuff”. I think it was Superbowl 14 when they had the lead abd were going to try and work on the clock. I just hope this team can play their game. If so, they will beat the Broncos. What’s your thoughts?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>Well, I think the Steelers need to do what they’ve done all season, which is run the ball but more importantly, stay balanced in the offense. In the first half of games, the Steelers tended to pass more than run. Where their offensive stats are skewed heavily in favor of running plays is the second half, particularly when they get a lead.

mcdrew

<Q>How concerned should the Steelers be with Denvers passing game and could Shanahan surprise the steelers and come out passing

Kevin_Dale

<A>Shanahan has done this before. If Plummer can get on the corners, I think the Broncos are going to look for some big plays, deep to Ashley Lelie.

Garage_Hog_Ted

<Q>Type here: Hi Jerry and Kevin……A Lot is being made of the “thin air” in Denver. It didn’t seem to affect Benjamin Watson last week when he tracked down Champ Bailey. Is Coach Cowher making the right decision by flying the team out to Denver tomorrow, instead of getting the team out there earlier this week? Kevin – Good Luck to your team from a fan from the “Butt-Ugly” – NOT, City of Pittsburgh.

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think the medical people know the pros and cons of going late and if earlier had been better, the Steelers would’ve done so.

Ben_State

<Q>Does Kevin Dale find Pittsburgh to be “butt ugly?”

Kevin_Dale

<A>Wrong newspaper. That’s the guys across town. I LOVE PITTSBURGH!

JerrysFavoriteQuestionAskerEver

<Q>The Steelers over the past few years have had a tradition of special teams disasters in these important championship games, do you think that is something being addressed this week?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think special teams are always addressed heavily by the Steelers and for that very reason JFQAE. Note that his post season the special teams have been very good. Not spectacular, but solid, which is what you want. Now playing in a tough stadium against a team like Denver, I’m sure Bill Cowher desperately wants a special teams big play. He may need one to win.

Bill_M.

<Q>Kevin, the Steelers seem to have a lot of the same strengths as the Kansas City team that beat the Broncos in their last defeat: strong ground game, solid linebackers, great tight end and a consistent quarterback. How well does Denver match up with teams that seem able to contain its ground attack and mount a successful ground game of their own, the way the Steelers did at Indy and the Chiefs did vs. Denver at Arrowhead?

Kevin_Dale

<A>Remember, the Broncos dusted the Chiefs in Denver. They haven’t won in Kansas City in December in years. The Broncos try to offset that with an opportunistic defense. The Pats stopped the run, but the defense and special teams took the game.

Big_Jon

<Q>Who do you expect to get the majority of the carries for the Steelers Sunday? Willie Parker or Jerome Bettis?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think Parker will carry the ball more because he’ll start and they’re going to try to get him in a rhythm. However, the Bus will get his 12-15 carries or more, especially as they enter the red zone. It may be as balanced as last week, but I think they like Parker because of his breakaway speed.

Double_d

<Q>Any big injuries that the Steelers or Broncos need to worry about?

Kevin_Dale

<A>Broncos are as healthy as they’ve been in weeks.

Toronto_Tom

<Q>Considering the success the Steelers have had running the ball against Cleveland the last couple of years do you think they go after the Broncos “new” defensive front ?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>Different coaching, different scheme. I think the Brown-cos have proven to be pretty formidable throughout the season. The Steelers O-Line, which had some poor games this year, needs to play as it has the last six weeks or so. If not, that line and quick LBs will play havoc with the offense.

mitb

<Q>What one player do you think could have the biggest impact on the game and why?

Kevin_Dale

<A>Not one player, but one matchup. I’m going to be keeping my eyes on Tom Nalen v. Casey Hampton. Finess v. Brute strength. Whoever wins that battle is going to set the tone for their respective team.

Big_Jon

<Q>To start the game…..what are the keys both teams need to do to set the tempo to win the game?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think Pittsburgh needs to prove it can run the ball against the Broncos defense and the Broncos likely will do the same. Each team wants to run it, but it’s a matter of who sticks with it longest and which team’s passing game starts out fast to open the run a bit.

Big_Jon

<Q>Outside the normal starts…..who do you see as being the “sleeper” key player (hero) to each teams chances of winning?

<Q>Do the Broncos have an answer for the three-headed monster of Hines Ward, Randle El, and Heath Miller, not to mention a scrambling Big Ben?

Kevin_Dale

<A>Not without getting pressure on BRoeth. Miller might be a concern. Denver has great speed on the corners – but after Champ Bailey, not a lot of experience.

DR

<Q>Hi Kevin. Does the fact that Denver is in the AFC championship, and the hype surrounding that, make the lead part of the local news, as it does around here?

Kevin_Dale

<A>Oh Yeah. It’s been relentless, scary. This – like Pittsburgh – is a city that has tasted the top, but struggled recently. They’re going crazy.

yayadave

<Q>People always talk about quaterback match-ups. Has anybody noticed the safeties match-up for this game?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think you’re hearing about the safties more as the week goes on. Lynch is a Super Bowl winner and Troy Polamalu is a defensive wild card for the Steelers. Both will be tested, I think, by the quarterbacks in coverage. The Steelers like throwing to Heath Miller and the Broncos know that Polamalu’s strength isn’t always pass coverage.

Jake_Sawyers

<Q>Do the Broncos feel they can stop the Steelers running game without putting an extra guy in the box?

Kevin_Dale

<A>The Broncos play a 4-3, but almost never line up in that base formation. They are always moving linebackers or dbacks into the box.

Big_Jon

<Q>What do you see as being the key ratio (Run vs. Pass) for the Steelers to be successful Sunday?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I’d say for the Steelers to be successful, it may be 50/50. They may need to throw it as much as they run it to keep Denver off stride.

pghfans

<Q>Hi Kevin and Jerry, You have seen Jake play all year. Obviously he has not made the mistakes he has made in the past however, how would you assess him from what we saw in Arizona?

Kevin_Dale

<A>Not even the same guy. Different standards, different coaches, different offense. I was skeptical even until the second game of this season, but he’s proving to be capable of running Shanahan’s offense.

jammer

<Q>do you think that plummers ability to throw on the run will sink the steelers or will they be able keep him in the pocket on blitzes?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think the goal for the Steelers may not be to blitz Plummer but to contain him and make him throw from the pocket. You may see them pressure up the middle a lot this week and try to contain outside. I think, and Kevin may disagree with this, that Plummer’s a better QB on the run.

george_baker

<Q>Will the same officiating crew be doing this game a la the Colts Steelers game last week?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>If the Steelers and NFL have anything to do with it, and of course they do, those guys will have a Pop Warner game to do this week and will miss the AFC title game.

yowza

<Q>Who is the Broncos best kept secret weapon this season?

Kevin_Dale

<A>I doubt it’s a secret to the Steelers, but watch out for TE Jeb Putzier. He likes to work his way down the field and teams seem to let him go. Plummer loves looking for him in the 20-25 yard range.

mitb

<Q>What one player do you think could have the biggest impact on the game and why?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think that it’s two players who will have an impact: Roethlisberger and Plummer. I really believe the Steelers success is in where Ben can take them. And the Broncos will need Plummer to have a very good game with no mistakes so they can open up their vaunted running attack.

george_baker

<Q>How will the Broncos counter Troy Polamalu’s movement around the defensive alignments?

Kevin_Dale

<A>I’m guessing that’s what’s keeping them up at night. They’re going to have to try to slow him down with a back and then hope Plummer can escape the pocket. You guys don’t want to see Plummer running free on a bootleg. He can zip it on the run.

steelcityhustler

<Q>better coach : shanahan vs. cowher ?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>Well hustler, Shanahan has two rings and Cowher has none. So I give the edge to Shanahan. But, if Cowher gets a ring this year, or any other in his career, he’ll get a nod to the Hall of Fame.

Polamalu_Polly

<Q>I just got back from the downtown Steelers rally in Pittsburgh. I followed Franco Harris in and then heard him encourage the fans to keep being the best football fans in the world on Sunday. Truly, how much of an effect does fan support have on a team of professionals?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>Players like a loud, boisterous crowd. That’s why Cowher always says he loves those 4:15 home games: he says Steelers fans are “ready” by then. And they are, believe me. The Steelers success this playoff season is because they love nothing better than quieting a hostile crowd. They did that in Indy.

Ruggs41

<Q>All the talk about John Lynch and his new role as a blitzer and run stoppersounds an aweful lot like role Troy Polamalu has perfected in the Steelers D, No? Are the two comperable, or has Lytnch lost a step?

Kevin_Dale

<A>The difference I’ve seen is that Polamalu is quicker in the secondary. He gets there before the pass arrives to intercept, or he gets there as it arrives. Lynch tends to get there when the catch is made, then tries to separate the player from the ball. I think they’re comparable on the blitz, tho Lynch almost always comes from the corner.

kma

<Q>Will the play of John Lynch up at the line cause Rothlisberger to audible as Brady had to quite a bit last week?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think the Steelers will gameplan for John Lynch and will have a package of plays for Ben to audible to when needed. They aren’t a heavy audible team, but this year, they’ve done some of that, and I suspect they’ll do some this weekend.

CHRA12

<Q>Who’s linebacking corps is stronger, Denver or Pittsburgh’s?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>This is a great question, because I see them as very even. The Broncos trio is tremendous and very quick, perhaps they have a speed edge. The Steelers have, I think, an overall edge because James Farrior is healthy and Joey Porter is on his game. They are bigger backers and can still move. But I think for the most part, it’s a wash with the ‘backers.

Jake_Sawyers

<Q>Kevin, do you think the talented but young db’s, Foxworth and Williams, will be susceptible to big plays?

Kevin_Dale

<A>Possibly, if Roeth gets time to throw. They’re blazing fast and can hold their own with receivers, but if the play stretches and there’s nothing to hurry the throw, they could have some troubles. They’re rookies, it’s their first AFC championship game.

Ruggs41

<Q>How can we avoid a big let-down after one of the most exciting and gut-wrenching playoff games in history?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think that’s a great question, Ruggs. It’s up to Cowher and the coaches to an extent, but also, this group is very veteran and poised. They know what business they have to do and how to do it. I think from the time they were 7-5, they just put their minds to getting to this point — and beyond. And the proof of that is where they are now.

DR

<Q>What would you say is the weakest spot on each team right now?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think for the Steelers, it’s still WR when you take Ward out of the mix. For the Broncos, probably the corner opposite Champ Bailey. That’s why I think that’s where the game will turn. If the Steelers can exploit Domonique Foxworth, they can win.

Idaho-Steeler-Fan

<Q>It’ amazing what Bill and Mike have done with their teams over the last decade plus, but to have consistent championship runs, history tells us you need a strong quarterback, a strong leader. In Pittsburgh, we may have OUR Elway now with Ben. Kevin, is Denver concerned about not having that type of leader under center who can win more than just one SB?

Kevin_Dale

<A>That has been the question, though I’m guessing Denver fans would be happy with one SB right now. Game by game, Plummer seems to be winning over fans’ confidence. It’s still shaky, tho. One bad game will bring back the questions – fair or not.

he_hate_me

<Q>mike anderson running style is not conducive to having success against the steelers. Will we see more of tatum bell than usual this week?

Kevin_Dale

<A>The Broncos have been great about going with the guy who has success. They’ll start with Anderson, bring in Bell for a change. If either one is more successful, the carries will flow there. If they have trouble, they’ll try Dayne.

pennsylvanian_hunger

<Q>Do you expect to see the Steelers use a lot of screen passes against the broncos to move them away from the blitzes?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>The Steelers used screens, or slip screens, late this season and in the playoffs with much success. I think they’ll use them this week, too. Look for Parker and/or Verron Haynes to do that a couple times on Sunday. It’s a great weapon against outside blitzers. But remember, the Broncos have those plays on tape, too.

ud_flyer

<Q>who do each of you like in the carolina-seattle game?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I’ve loved Carolina the last two weeks. But I think Seattle’s going to win this one and head for the Bowl.

DR

<Q>We heard a lot about the playoff game experience of the teams leading up to the Pit-Cin game. What are the numbers like for this matchup? Does either team seem to have a real edge?

Kevin_Dale

<A>The Broncos have five players left from the SB champion teams. After that, it falls off pretty fast. But Shanahan is still the guy setting the tone in the room and his experience matters a lot.

Blitzburgh13

<Q>We all know that the Steelers beat a peaking colts team while the broncos beat a less than typical patriots team. Does that echo in the back of their minds?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think the Steelers treat every game the same way: Tough opponent, we’re going to have to play our A-game to win. I don’t think that will change at all this Sunday.

ud_flyer

<Q>who do each of you like in the carolina-seattle game?

Kevin_Dale

<A>I also like Carolina, though the injuries have me nervous.

hokie

<Q>Is the turf any better than it seemed to be last weekend?

Kevin_Dale

<A>the middle of that field is chopped up. i’m amazed everytime i walk on it.

Burgh_boy_in_Ohio

<Q>I think this game will be decided in the first quarter. If Pittsburgh can get an early score (or 2) like last week, the defense will be flying everywhere. However, if Denver scores early, the Steelers may be in for a long afternoon.

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think this game is going down to the wire. I don’t think either team can gain an early advantage, though both will try to do that. It won’t be like a heavyweight fight where the guys feel each other out a bit. This will be one where they come out swinging hoping for the advantage you spell out.

yamo01

<Q>what is your prediction steelers or broncos ?

Kevin_Dale

<A>I’ve been trying to avoid this question. My gut is telling me the Steelers have a shot to win, but the Broncos are stout at home. With the amount of work we’re looking at if the Broncos make the Super Bowl – that’s the way I’m going.

hokie

<Q>There is talk of the altitude factor, Jerry, fact or fiction?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think altitude is a factor to an extent, but teams always have to deal with that in Denver and the Steelers are prepared to do it, too.

Bill_M.

<Q>Have the Steelers players gotten riled at the “Butt Ugly” characterization in the Rocky Mountain News, or do they even care?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think they are totally focused on the Broncos. The other stuff is just that to them, other stuff.

jman

<Q>Kevin, the game may come down to a field goal. Is their any crazy swirling winds to deal with there as there is at Heinz Field?

Kevin_Dale

<A>The wind in the stadium is usually light. They are predicting snow for Sunday morning, but clear by the afternoon. Elam can boom it.

mitb

<Q>Since most teams have had trouble running the ball against the Steelers defense this year, do you think the Broncos will be able to establish the run against them?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think the Broncos will try to do that and won’t stop trying, which is just the makeup of their team. I think that’s almost as important as actually establishing the run. But the Steelers gameplan, make no mistake, is to make Plummer beat them.

WeShockedWorld

<Q>Do you think Tatum Bell or Ron Dayne will be utilized more often if M. Anderson is not successful. I think the Steelers D will shut him down early, his YPC is not impressive.

Kevin_Dale

<A>Certainly they’ll go to Bell first.

Ryan__Minneapolis_

<Q>Do the Broncos have any injuries that would effect the game on Sunday?

Kevin_Dale

<A>They’re pretty healthy.

hokie

<Q>Do you think that BiG Ben has rid himself from all the playoff jitters at this point?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think Ben’s performances in the first two games answer that question, Hokie. Doesn’t mean he’s perfect by any means, but he’s a much different QB than he was last year.

Blitzburgh13

<Q>Which super bowl matchup will gain the highest fan interest?

Kevin_Dale

<A>Hard to say. Holmgren v. Shanahan would bring back memories of Broncos first SB win. Steelers have a great tradition. I just hope the NFC is up for the game…

Burghmeister

<Q>Jerry, fourth-and-one, ball on the 25 yard line, Steelers down by 4 with 1 minute to go. What play would you call?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>Bettis off left guard/tackle, behind All-Pro Alan Faneca.

pghfans

<Q>If the game came down to special teams, with everything else being equal, who do you believe will win? Why?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think if the Steelers special teams play solid, as they have thus far in the post season, then they should be fine and aid what could be a Steelers victory. Ask the Patriots about special teams and the Broncos. That fumble by Troy Brown was a killer.

Blitzburgh13

<Q>Which QB will be most effected by the pressure of this BIG GAME?

Kevin_Dale

<A>I don’t think the pressure of the “Big Game” is going to bother either. It’s the pressure from the opposing D they’re going to have to worry about.

yamo01

<Q>what is your prediction steelers or broncos ?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I’ll pass until the end. Kevin, we can do this as our final post. OK?

truebroncosfan

<Q>Why does the media hate the Broncos?

Kevin_Dale

<A>National media? Under the radar all year, playing in the Mountain Time Zone, missing the sexy star. What I think they miss is that this is a TEAM. They all have each others’ backs right now. That means something.

Ebsman

<Q>Do you think there are holes in the Bronco D that will make H Miller an attractive target?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I don’t know if any part of the Broncos’ D is attractive for the Steelers, but I think they need Miller in the seams to be successful. It’ll pull the safeties away from the line of scrimmage and open up the run, which is the goal for the Steelers.

Blitzburgh13

<Q>If the Broncos win will Jake be out from under Elways shadow?

Kevin_Dale

<A>Gotta win a couple rings first. Even then, Elway’s picture is on about 75 percent of the billboards in town because of Elway auto dealerships. You’re always in Elway’s shadow around here.

Ebsman

<Q>What is the deal with Ben’s arm? when asked after last weeks game, he avoided the subject and ran off the field.

pg_jerrymicco

<A>His arm, by all accounts, is fine.

ud_flyer

<Q>Kevin, Tell Woody Paige I said hi, Do you think Trevor Pryce will be a factor in the game?

Kevin_Dale

<A>If each Broncos Dlineman takes care of the guy in front of him, it’s going to be a long day for the Steelers. If someone lets down and Pryce is doubleteamed or the linebackers can’t get through, it’s going to stop the Broncos.

Kicksave

<Q>Jerry, Do you think the Steelers would ever try putting Casey Hampton in at the fullback position on the goaline, sortof like the Bears used to do with the Fridge as one of our famous ‘trick plays’?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>No, but it’d be the funniest thing I’ve seen in a football game for some time. Hampton and Bettis together would be a load of the highest magnitude.

rocc

<Q>Will Jerome be taking more breaks than usual due to the thin air?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>My understanding is that if Jerome takes his asthma medicine, this should be no different from any other game.

DR

<Q>What were the Broncos best win and worst loss this past season?

Kevin_Dale

<A>Worst loss: Miami opening weekend. But, it woke the team up. Best win: last week against the Pats. It showed this team it can win a playoff game.

Jake_Sawyers

<Q>Are the Steelers planning on utilizing the silent count again this week? I sure wouldn’t want them to underestimate Denver’s stadium like they did with Indy in the regular season.

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I’m sure the silent count is in their gameplan. They know how loud Invesco (I always want to type Mile High there) can be, though it’s not going to be like the RCA Dome because it’s outdoors. But the noise can be a factor there, so I’m sure that’s part of the preparation.

hokie

<Q>Do you expect the Bronco’s to be heavy on the pass or run to start?

Kevin_Dale

<A>Wouldn’t surprise me to see the Broncos come out throwing – short, possession passes. Loosen up Jake and get the Steelers back a little.

WeShockedWorld

<Q>Bill Cowher impressed me thinking somewhat “out of the box” with the game plan last week. It was probably necessary vs the Colts. Do you see him going right back to our running style from the beginning of this game? If he gets down early, will he be willing to make the adjustments?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think they have adjusted so well this postseason and been so creative that it’ll have to continue this week. Cowher’s been here before, five times, and only won once. I don’t think you’ll see him stick with the stuff that made him 1-4 in AFC title games.

pghfans

<Q>What intangible could win this game and for who?

Kevin_Dale

<A>Cliche city here, but it’s going to be about turnovers. The two teams are evenly matched. Who makes a mistake? From the Broncos side, I like the playoff smarts and playmaking of Rod Smith and John Lynch.

Burgh_Boy_in_Ohio

<Q>These teams really mirror each other. Could there been a more evenly matched game between any 2 other teams?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I agree totally. When I looked at the matchup on Sunday, I thought it was mirror image teams. Amazing, too. It’s like they built each other’s teams, but I think they both geared to beat New England, which if you’re in the AFC, you have to do to get here or beyond.

yowza

<Q>Does Elway appear on any Broncos broadcasts or is he not involved with the team at all any longer?

Kevin_Dale

<A>He stays somewhat in the background with the Broncos, but he’s everywhere with his Arena League team, restaurant, etc. He talks about the Broncos when asked and has been very supportive.

bleed_black_and_gold

<Q>do you find it as satistying and amusing as i do that two teams who weren’t supposed to have a shot of making the afc championship are now playing for it?

pg_jerrymicco

<A>I think the Steelers were given a shot preseason, then it fell off when they lost three in a row, now it’s back again. But I think most folks thought the Pats would be here again and maybe the Steelers. The Broncos are probably the bigger surprise.

Kicksave

<Q>Kevin, do Bronco fans have complete faith in Jake Plummer or are they expecting him to revert back to his old self? I’m hoping the Steelers are able to contain him and make him throw in the pocket, that is where it seems he gets introuble.

Kevin_Dale

<A>He is slowly gaining confidence from the fans, but if he has a horrible game, he’ll lose what he’s built.

<A>None of these teams are in huge TV markets, though Denver’s probably the biggest market left. NY and Chicago are out, so I think what people want to see is a competitive Super Bowl. The Steelers have a tremendous national following and Bettis is a feel-good story being from Detroit and all. My guess is the TV networks would love that storyline.

Kevin_Dale

OK. They’re telling me to wrap it up with a prediction. First, it was great chatting with you. I think we’re going to see a tremendous game. I’ll stick with the home team, though: Broncos 24, Pittsburgh 23. Thanks! -kevin

pg_jerrymicco

Actually, I probably do owe Kevin a beer from one of our conventions. Here’s a prediction: Pittsburgh 27, Denver 21. Kevin?

pg_jwhite

That’s it for today. Thanks to all who took part. The PG will be holding an open chat (no moderator) at 7 p.m. Sunday after the game. Log on here — www.post-gazette.com/chat

pg_jerrymicco

Great chat everyone. See you back for my weekly (Wednesday at noon) chat next week!

EDMONTON, Alberta — In two games since returning from an eight-game injury absence, Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon has four points, including a goal, and multiple shots off the post or crossbar. The 22-year-old has undoubtedly re-proven that he is the Avs’ most valuable player — the player they must have in the lineup to make a legitimate playoff push.